Cedric Varon Patterson

Cedric Varon Patterson was born on February 11, 1947 in Pontiac, Michigan to the late James William Patterson and David Elizabeth (Jackson) Patterson.  He was blessed with a wonderful step mother, the late Johnnie Ruth Patterson for 42 years.  Cedric married Nora Lee (Davis) Patterson, the love of his life, in 1968. They were happily married for 57 extraordinary years.  Cedric embodied Matthew 19:5-6 scripture, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.” He is also survived by two daughters - Elizabeth Marlet Patterson and Shadana LaJoi Patterson.  He is preceded in death by his loving daughter Ericka Lynn Patterson.  He was an amazing father who was always supportive and present. His daughters were his pride and joy.

Cedric was baptized at a young age and attended Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, Mi under the leadership of Rev. Lenworth Minor.  As a child he was an excellent marble shooter, and was often seen walking around with large bags of his winnings.  He graduated from Pontiac Central High School in 1965 with accolades in football and basketball.  During high school, sparks flew at first-sight when he saw Nora Lee Davis.  The rest is a beautiful love story.

Cedric attained an Associate’s degree in Business Administration in 1970 at Oakland Community College.  He then attended Oakland University where he also served as a tutor and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree.

Cedric worked for Case New Holland (Formerly Ford New Holland) in Birmingham, MI for several years before being heavily recruited to relocate to New Holland, PA in 1988; where, he became a Purchasing Manager and retired with 35 years of committed service. 

While in Pennsylvania, Cedric joined Bright Side Missionary Baptist Church. There he was involved in various financial dealings and was a major financial contributor to the youth program, as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the Bright Side Opportunity Center.  He was also a member of the Conestoga Lodge 140 of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World (IBPOE of W), Lancaster, PA, serving as the financial secretary for over 10 years, as well as a member of the American Legion of Lancaster, PA, Post 34.

Cedric was astute in finances and extended his expertise to family and friends.  He was an avid outdoorsmen who enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, grilling and gardening.  He also liked playing Bid Whist, winning at the casino, volunteering at the district polls on election days, traveling to Florida with Joe and Osul Mayo, and often returning to visit his family in Michigan.  It was one of his last wishes to purchase a home in Michigan to be with his family and childhood friends. In classic Cedric style, he set his mind to it and his wish was granted. To God be the glory!

Cedric was preceded in death by his daughter, Ericka Lynn Patterson; his  brothers, Captain James William Patterson, Darryll David Patterson, DeForest Ray Patterson; sister, Marcella Kay Patterson; mother-in-law, Catherine Wade Davis; brother-in-law, Morris Davis Jr.; sister-in-law, Brenda Lewis Davis; aunt, Wanda Taggart.  He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Nora Lee Davis Patterson; his daughters, Elizabeth Marlet Patterson and Shadana LaJoi Patterson - Trey Edge; sister, Monica (Michael) Lamb; brother, Preston (Lisa) Patterson; sister-in-laws, Juliette Patterson, Neleita Patterson, Helena Pryor (Kairlather), Dorothy K. Davis; brother-in-law, Dr. Horace J. Davis; cousin, Roger Jackson; dear friends, Joe (Osul) Mayo, Ronnie (Mona) McNeir, Alfred (Evelyn) McClellan, Alexander LeDoux, Alvin Keel, Alice (Billy) Sanders, Lonnie (Lavern) Davidson, Jr., Gary (Evelyn) Wilson, NZ Bryant, Tina Hatcher, Darryl (Dominique) Gordon and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Cobb's Funeral Home 151 Orchard Lake Road, Pontiac, Michigan, from 12:00pm - 6:00pm.

Homegoing Celebration will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church 143 Oneida St. Pontiac, Michigan.  Family hour will begin at 10:30am and the service will immediately start at 11:00am.  Interment will follow after the service, at Oak Hill Cemetery, Pontiac, Michigan.